i mean, from what i've watched, looks like the 2nd or 3rd fastest guy on the team next to austin

cuts well, plays physical, shows good hands, quick, and fast

could bring some interesting double slot formations, with him, austin, and givens on the field at the same time...sounds pretty scary in terms of burning the opposition

could even be a good return guy so we wouldn't HAVE to use austin

of course i want the best on the field, but he's like a white austin lol

-07-29-2013

RealRam

Re: EARLY, tentative 2013 Rams 53 player roster

Being a tentative roster and all, I've added Andrew Helmick as a WR and deleted TE Zach Potter for now from the 'in' names.

That would list the Rams with six WRs? Possible, possible.

Meanwhile, Helmick according to Ryan Van Bibber // July 29...

Quote:

The new face of scrappy:
St. Louis Rams WR Andrew Helmick
By Ryan Van Bibber, July 29, 2013

Danny Amendola is gone, but there's another, perhaps scrappier player to take his place.

There are two paths to becoming a sports icon in St. Louis. First, is the way of the superstar player, typically humble ones with a sterling reputation that earn the honor. The second, more difficult path is to be shortish, white-ish and able to outwork your natural ability, i.e. be scrappy.

The Cardinals used to have a monopoly on scrappy players, thanks to Tony La Russa's knack for turning up guys like Bo Hart and David Eckstein. The St. Louis Rams found their own version of scrappy in 2009 with Danny Amendola. But now Amendola is gone, and the Rams turn to a new, potentially scrappier player: wide receiver Andrew Helmick.

A rising star in the early days of training camp, Helmick is turning heads with highlight catches and speedy play. But the scouting report we're most concerned with is the guy's scrappy status. Let's review.

UNDERDOG STATUS

The Rams signed Helmick as an undrafted free agent in May. The Dolphins were reportedly interested in him as a UDFA following the draft. He then got tryouts with the Browns and the Falcons, before landing with in St. Louis.

Rejected by other teams is pretty good start to upping a player's underdog score, but we also have to consider his chances for making the roster. Right now, the Rams have five receivers with a very good shot at making the final 53-man roster (Austin, Bailey, Quick, Givens and Pettis). They usually only keep six, so the long shot factor is there for Helmick who has to beat out another four players for the final spot.

Score: 8 (on a scale of 10)

WORK ETHIC

If you read what the coaches are saying after practice these days, there are 90 players on the field giving it their all. Sure, everyone works hard, but work ethic is particularly important to the scrappy player. He uses that to overcome the innate biases of the scouting process.

Helmick discussed what sets him apart from other players in an interview prior to this year's draft. From NFL Draft Zone:

For weaknesses, I'd like to say I'm always working on every part of my game, but what I spend most time perfecting is being a little more loose while running, especially through the hips, and being more of a vocal leader. I've always led by example, but I'm working on being vocally there as well."

Man, that quote exudes scrappy. Even when he's talking about his weaknesses, Helmick brings it back to his work ethic. (Not a bad tip for your next job interview either, kids). And leading by example? Pretty damn scrappy.

SCORE: 10

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Even the scrappiest of players has the occasional flaw in his profile. Helmick is officially listed at 6'0 tall and weighing 192 pounds. He would tower over most of the scrappy second basemen once preferred by the Cardinals. And his measurements give him an inch and 10 pounds over Danny Amendola.

As NFL receivers go, 6'0 is plenty big to play in the pros. That size could help him stick on the final roster, but it knocks his overall scrappy grade down a notch.

Score: 6

LOCAL CONNECTION

Players don't have to have some tie to the St. Louis metro area to be scrappy. However, having that local connection only adds to the overall scrappiness of a player.

Helmick is from Kansas City, Mo., which for most St. Louisians is a strange, foreign place, similar only because of the state's boundaries and un-contained suburban sprawl. But Helmick made the trek over I-70 to play college football at Lindenwood University in St. Louis. It's more than enough to give him the bonus points for having an established link.

Bonus score: 8

O V E R A L L

You don't need a mathematician see that the numbers clearly favor Helmick. He'd be an easy first-round pick if teams actually drafted players based on scrappiness (which would have been a better system than the one used during Zygmunt-Softli era at Rams Park).

At any rate, the guy definitely has his bona fides in order to be St. Louis' next scrappy star. All he has to do now is make the final cut. If Helmick keeps playing the way he has been through the first four days of training camp, he's got a good shot.

PS: Then we have TEs J. Cook and L. Kendricks. ...What is Sam Bradford going to do!?! :eek:

:ram: Again, check out video interview with Helmick in post #12.

-07-29-2013

RealRam

Re: EARLY, tentative 2013 Rams 53 player roster

OL Graham Pocic was just signed today (Jul. 29) by the Rams and is in the mix of things at training camp. Not sure if he would be projected as a center, the position he played at Illinois and his forte, or tackle; Pocic seems to be to be too tall for a center in the NFL at 6-7".

The Rams signed undrafted rookie offensive lineman Graham Pocic on Monday. The move was disclosed in the NFL’s official transactions.

Pocic (6-7, 310) made 34 starts at center in his final three seasons at Illinois. However, he’s listed as a tackle on the Rams’ roster, and he did make a pair of starts at right tackle in his senior season.

though givens should be faster now, so basically you have 4 guys under a 4.4...quick may be around that too so 5 out of the 7 guys to throw to at a 4.5 or under....4 under a 4.4

holy crap

-07-30-2013

RebelYell

Re: EARLY, tentative 2013 Rams 53 player roster

Helmick is dealing with a hamstring injury. Going to be difficult to make the roster unless he comes back very quickly. Plus, he'd be the #6 WR and the Rams aren't likely going with 6. I think Helmick ends up on the practice squad.

Shelley Smith is making this roster. Nsekhe isn't. Smith is sharing reps with Williams with the 1st teamers to see who starts. If Nsekhe is starting the Rams are in serious trouble.

-07-30-2013

RealRam

Re: EARLY, tentative 2013 Rams 53 player roster

Quote:

Originally Posted by RebelYell

Helmick is dealing with a hamstring injury. Going to be difficult to make the roster unless he comes back very quickly. Plus, he'd be the #6 WR and the Rams aren't likely going with 6. I think Helmick ends up on the practice squad.

Hmm, was not aware that Helmick has a hammy -- is this a recent / lingering situation? The article above (post #17) is from yesterday and does not mention this WR prospect having an injury. It does say, however, that the Rams might keep six wide receivers and favors Helmick to earn the last spot.

-07-31-2013

Rambos

Re: EARLY, tentative 2013 Rams 53 player roster

Quote:

Originally Posted by RealRam

Hmm, was not aware that Helmick has a hammy -- is this a recent / lingering situation? The article above (post #17) is from yesterday and does not mention this WR prospect having an injury. It does say, however, that the Rams might keep six wide receivers and favors Helmick to earn the last spot.

Jim Thomas ‏@jthom1 2h

One reason rams signed wr justin veltrung is that lindenwood product andrew helmick will miss a few weeks w/hamstring injury.
Expand

What about Raymond Radway, WR? Was it last year that I read he was showing good potential?

:ram:

-07-31-2013

RealRam

Re: EARLY, tentative 2013 Rams 53 player roster

This may be gimmicky only, like being able to spin a football on one finger, or having the ability to slam dunk it over the crossbar of the goal posts. I don't know. Or perhaps it is indicative of a real talent that is helpful to a DB.

It's newly acquired Justin Veltung, WR from Idaho that was brought in to the Rams TC to fill in vacancy created by Andrew Hemlick's injury.

I really like andrew helmick he is sharp and fast I think he makes the 53 and will fit great in the rotation with the WR group

-08-04-2013

RealRam

Re: EARLY, tentative 2013 Rams 53 player roster

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldRamsfan

I really like Andrew Helmick he is sharp and fast I think he makes the 53 and will fit great in the rotation with the WR group.

Yes, same here. I too would like to see Helmick become part of a Rams six-WR crew. But that hamstring injury he suffered last Monday is the usual two-fold problem -- he's missed too many reps and return status is unknown.